Pro Umpire Plate Mechanic - Hand on the Catcher's Shoulder?

[scarolinablue]

Just a curiousity question, more than anything...went to a Greenville Drive game last week (Greenville, SC BoSox Class A affiliate - fantastic stadium, complete with a "Mini-Monster" in left field). Anyway, the PU was resting his forward hand on the catcher's back...lightly, from the way it appeared, but he was distinctly touching the catcher. Is this a taught mechanic in pro school, or personal preference? I would think a catcher would hate this (I would)...just curious. I wouldn't think this would do much for his career, as I haven't observed any MLU doing this. Other than that, the blue worked a nice game...excellent two-man mechanics being displayed, great hustle all around.

[bob jenkins]

It's a personal preference / learned ahbit taht some have. I would strongly discourage it for amateur umpires.

[GarthB]

My information is that it is not taught at either proschool or PBUC.

[Rich Ives]

Many catchers hate it. They are also smart enough to not complain to the umpire.

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by GarthB

My information is that it is not taught at either proschool or PBUC.

Not taught & strongly discouraged. Once an umpire reaches AA they loosen the reigns a bit. A or below an umpire would be down graded on his evaluation.

[SanDiegoSteve]

I do not understand the fascination with touching the catcher. Do they do it for balance? Would they fall over if they didn't?

I have never even considered doing such a thing at any level. I think it looks horrible, and I see more and more MLB guys doing it these days.

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I do not understand the fascination with touching the catcher. Do they do it for balance? Would they fall over if they didn't?

They can't bring their Guide Dogs (for the blind) onto the field, so the Catcher has to fill in.

[DonInKansas]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I do not understand the fascination with touching the catcher. Do they do it for balance? Would they fall over if they didn't?

I asked a guy that I worked with this question once who did this and he said it made it easier for him to gauge where the catcher was going when chasing a WP/PB/Popup behind. A crutch I realize, but a possible explanation I've been given.